Samsung might be the most well-known maker of modern flip phones, but after 2023, the company had some catching up to do.
Motorola’s Razr 40 Ultra/Razr+ (2023) was our top folding phone pick, while the new Razr 50 Ultra/Razr 50+ (2024) makes the device even better.
It means Samsung was under pressure to respond, especially with the underwhelming updates on last year’s Galaxy Z Flip 5 .
And while it might not look like it from the outside, the new Z Flip 6 is a significant step forward for Samsung’s flip phone. Here are five upgrades that I can’t wait to try out.
Better main camera
The Galaxy Z Flip 5 had a lot in common with Samsung’s flagships, but cameras were a key differentiating factor. If you opted for the flip phone, you had to make do with a main lens that was a big step down in quality.
Not anymore. The Galaxy Z Flip 6’s upgraded 50Mp main lens is the same as the one used on the Galaxy S24+. And, as our full review of that phone shows, it delivers excellent photos in a range of situations.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While a slight step down from the 200Mp lens on the S24 Ultra , it should be one of the best lenses on any folding phone. The 12Mp ultrawide and 10Mp selfie cameras make the Flip 6 impressively versatile, though many people will miss the optical zoom offered by a telephoto sensor.
Larger battery
Battery life is an issue that affects almost all modern flip phones – the hinge means there simply isn’t space for a large cell of 5000mAh or more.
However, mediocre battery life was one of the Z Flip 5’s main weaknesses, so it needed to improve. Samsung has obliged, replacing the 3700mAh cell with a 4000mAh one.
Alongside the power efficiency improvements offered by the newer Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 for Galaxy chipset, there should be a nice boost to battery life.
Don’t expect anything that rivals the best battery life phones around, but not having to worry about it lasting through a full heavy day of usage would be an important step forward.
Improved protection
Foldables are notoriously difficult to protect against dust, with so many nooks and crannies for it to get into and potentially damage the device.
However, Samsung has made significant strides forward on the Z Flip 6. The new model has an IP48 rating , meaning it offers “protection against solid objects larger than 1mm, like small wires and screws”.
The Z Flip 6’s hinge makes dust protection difficult
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
While not quite the full dust resistance of IP68, it’s a big step forward compared to the Z Flip 5, which offered no official protection in this area.
It also means the device continues to offer flagship-level water resistance, making it safe to submerge in up to 1.5m of fresh water for up to 30 minutes.
New Galaxy AI features
Samsung debuted its range of ‘Galaxy AI’ artificial intelligence features on the Galaxy S24 series in January, before bringing them to several older devices – including the Z Flip 5.
However, the launch of the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 sees several new ones added to the experience.
The existing Interpreter app includes a brand-new Conversation mode, which offers real-time text and written translations on both the main and cover displays. In theory, it should help eliminate the language barrier while travelling.
Luke Baker
A similar feature for calls, known as Live Translate, has been expanded to include some third-party apps, while Chat Assist makes it easy to create a message, email or social media post in seconds.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Samsung has also made Galaxy AI more fun on both the Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 . A new Sketch to Image tool will recognise objects you draw on an existing photo and automatically generate them – see my particularly bad drawing turn into a rabbit below.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
Elsewhere, a Portrait Studio mode can turn selfies (individual and group) into comic, 3D cartoon, watercolour and sketch images. While not perfect, the example below really impressed me.
Dominik Tomaszewski / Foundry
The new Galaxy AI features aren’t groundbreaking, but they make the Z Flip 6 feel a lot more like a brand-new device.
Seven years of updates
As expected, the Galaxy Z Flip 6 and Z Fold 6 both now offer seven years of OS and security updates – the longest support of any foldables.
It’s a significant step forward compared to the four OS and five security offered by the Z Flip 5, and joins the Galaxy S24 series, Pixel 8 & 8 Pro and Pixel 8a with this class-leading commitment.
After trying out the Z Flip 6 and its new features, I’m excited to see just how good Samsung’s new flip phone will be. Look out for my full review on Tech Advisor soon.
Author: Anyron Copeman, Mobile Editor, Tech Advisor
Anyron is Mobile Editor at Tech Advisor, where he’s been a mainstay of the editorial team since 2019. In his current role, Anyron is responsible for all smartphone, tablet and mobile network coverage on the site. A BA Journalism graduate, he has experience with a wide range of consumer tech products and services, including smartphones, tablets, foldables, wearables and more.
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